The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, saying it will have a more detailed review of the gubernatorial poll.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had emerged winner of the governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, declared Aiyedatiwa winner after results from the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State were received and counted on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Akinwumi, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja in Kogi State, said Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closet rival, Ajayi Agboola of the PDP, who garnered 117,845 votes.
Neyo Adeyemi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came a distant third with 4,138 votes.
Reacting via a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said it would take appropriate action in the defence of the country’s democracy.
Ondo election: Aiyedatiwa floors PDP’s Ajayi, wins all 18 LGs
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP will be having a more detailed review of the election and its outcome and take appropriate action in the defence of our democracy,” Ologunagba stated.
The PDP spokesman said the governorship election fell short of all expectations and requirements of a free, fair, and credible election.
He added: “Nigeria just witnessed the height of electoral swindling, deceit, and manipulation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This election witnessed widespread election merchandising, monetisation and barefaced vote buying by the APC and its apparatus in government to suppress the genuine aspiration of the people.”
Ologunagba called the attention of Nigerians and the international community to what, he claimed, was witnessed in the election.
“We demand that serious action be taken to stem such; if Nigeria’s democracy must survive,” he said.
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